It is a rare thing to find a lovely, "fall-colored" tree during the first few months of autumn around here. We have to wait until late November before getting much color on our leaves. Then, the hickory trees are in their full glory. The bright orange leaves glow like embers in a winter fire when the setting sun hits them. Folks stand in awe of the 60+ ft trees with their golden leaves wafting in the bay breeze. This lets us know that summer has ended...for certain...and winter (or at least a semblance of the season) is nigh. These glorious trees are our "fall colors" as we pretty much do not have any others that are native to the area.
I was fortunate to notice that the hickory tree in the front yard was putting on quite a show with its fall attire. Two days ago, I took the time to photograph the tree as the setting sun filtered through the leaves. Ahh, beautiful! Satisfied that I had my pictures for the season, I turned the thoughts elsewhere. Now, two days later, I am happy that I took the time to admire the tree.
Severe weather set in last night complete with torrential rains and high winds. While it made for good sleeping weather for me, the tree did not fare so well. This morning, all of those lovely leaves are on the ground and in Puddle Pond. Nary a one hangs on the twigs of the tree. The hickory tree now looks barren such as one would find during the bleak days of winter. The ground, on the other hand, is golden...and what a mess! The next few days will find me cleaning the pond and grinding the leaves for mulch. My beautiful fall tree is gone until next year.
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